I have a neighbor for the past 20 years who has been fine, no issues. Then a month ago, they put in an expensive in ground pool and they also put in a fire pit which is all the rage among millennials so I am sure some of you have them too. Well, the prevailing wind from their fire pit is right towards my house and the house fills up with smoke and we get headaches, watering eyes etc.
Unfortunately in MA and most states, these are perfectly legal and the only legal ground you have is if “the smoke becomes a nuisance” you are supposed to call the fire department and they talk to them. Obviously I don’t want to do that. Also, you can’t actually see the smoke, it is not that thick, so the fire department is likely to declare “Its not bad at all”, , but the odor is terrible, the watering eyes, an headaches are awful.
At first, I figured it would be just once in a while with pool parties. That is not the case, it is 4-5 nights a week. Then I figured the novelty would wear off and the would get sick of it. Not so. A month later, it is still 4 to 5 times a week.
Tonight was typical, it started at 7 PM, we had the windows open enjoying the fresh air on a comfortable night and then by the time we realized it, it was too late to shut the windows, we were already full of smoke. Even worse, I looked out and they started the fire then went in to watch TV. These fires have become an obsession of theirs. I think they spent 50K on the pool, landscaping and fire pit, so it is like they feel the need to use it.
Any serious advice? I am thinking of maybe talking to the guy and asking if this is going to be every night or once in a while. Or maybe send an e-mail. Obviously he is not going to want to stop having these fires but I am not sure I can live with the smoke. I don’t want to become enemies but what are my options? It looks like I am in a terrible position of ruining my relationship with my neighbor forever or living in smoke every night from April until October. Any advice would be appreciated.